North American company Ferrero said Thursday that Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats were recalled because they were made in a facility where salmonella was detected.
The voluntary recall comes after Ferrero recalled Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs from UK stores earlier this week, adding that the affected chocolate was manufactured in Belgium and the recall may be extended to other countries.
“Although there have been no reports of illness in the United States to date, Ferrero is voluntarily recalling the products out of great caution due to reported cases of salmonella in consumers who have consumed products in Europe that were manufactured at the same facility,” the statement said.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, part of the European Health Agency, has begun investigating dozens of reported and suspected cases of salmonella linked to eating chocolate in at least nine countries.
Salmonella bacteria can cause serious and severe infections, especially in children, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems.
Probable or confirmed cases of salmonella linked to eating chocolate have been found in Britain, France, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.